Adding more to life, without adding stress

Month: July 2016

It seems like the last few years has brought more and more subscription services to the world. I was unsure of many of these as they seems to be on the expensive side and I just didn’t understand paying for something to be shipped to me on a schedule when I go to the grocery store every week any way.
Well let me tell you I have certainly changed my mind on that idea. There are some subscription services that are truly worth it and many are very comparable pricing. I really love being able to automate some of those purchase once in a while items like shampoo and body wash. I have actually forgotten to pick up some of these toiletry items since I am just not used to going to those aisles of the store often enough.

One of the brands that I tested out a few month back has really become a favorite and it honestly is easiest to get it direct from them in their subscription service. I picked up two of their sample kits to test out the products. I really liked most of what they sent, some of the Home Essentials bundle items sent were just not things I use.

There were five items in the Essentials bundle.

Face and Body Lotion

Hand Soap

Body Wash

Multi-Surface Spray

Healing Balm

I really loved the body wash and the hand soap. I actually adjusted the shipment of my first full bundle to be mostly body wash and lotions. I fell in love with the Sweet Orange Vanilla scent and wanted to try the others. The Face and body lotion I received was unscented but I really liked how well it absorbed in. I first thought it seemed like it may be too thin of a mixture but I was really surprised as it absorbed how smooth my skin felt. My skin was hydrated and not overly slippery. One application lasted the whole day.

The last two items I wasn’t jumping on to pick up more just yet but it was simply my own preference of product. I am really not a balm girl, I had a hard time with this product just because of the nature of balms. As for the spray I actually really liked it but the sample was going to last me a while since I use Norwex cloths in my kitchen and so I don’t use any cleaning sprays.

I had also picked up the diaper kit because, kids. I really liked the diapers and loved the wipes. I felt that the diapers were really comparable if not beating other brands I have used.

The plain diaper in this image is a generic brand from a big box store- bit of a difference for sure.

Not to mention the cute prints available (though this really doesn’t sell me as they are just covered up).

I liked the thickness of the wipes and felt they cleaned up a sticky mess quickly. They held up to the tough job.

Check out the texture (I don’t know, people just always say things like that).Against a popular brand name (yup the bigger wipe is Honest)

Though I have continued on with the bundle on the Essentials (body washes and lotions, some cleaning-ish items to come), but I haven’t actually gone forward with the diaper bundle just yet. I think that this bundle is most beneficial for those with smaller children. My current littlest is approaching two and is attempting interest in the potty so I would rather not waste a bunch of dry diapers in this time. That being said, should there be a need for diapers in the future (NO THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANY SORT), I will be getting this bundle going.

I recently have discovered an amazing source of gracious and generous people that have spoken directly to my heart in the words they writing on blogs, social media and books. One of those people was a very recent discovery, though I had heard of his work long before I had heard of him (not entirely sure I should feel bad about that as his work is just so important). Help One Now is an organization that I have heard of over and over and over again. I just never really dug too far into it. When I received an email about a new book coming out from the founder of Help One Now, Chris Marlow, I first applied to be a part of the launch team since I really have enjoyed being able to support authors in the release of their book, not to mention the possibility of getting to read a book before it is available is amazing. The second thing I did was start researching more on Chris Marlow and the work he does with Help One Now and anything I could about the book he had written.

I discovered Chris has a deep passion for his work and he has some amazing people in his corner and along to support the cause. I was intrigued to say the least, and I couldn’t wait to hear if I made the launch team and to read his book. I was so excited when I received notice that I was on the team. Again I dove right in to get more information.

Awaiting bedtime so I could dive into this book!

I dug into this book as soon as I received it. Let me tell you this is a fast read book but it hit me so hard in certain places that I had to stop and really think through what was said. I have struggled for a while now thinking about how I would like to make an impact. My thoughts always seem to trail off into “someday” or “when I…”. After reading this book I am realizing how many small things I could do now. Things I can do today. I do not have to wait for anything in my life and circumstances to get to a certain point.

I have always had a strong belief in doing good and being kind. Chris Marlow writes so deeply to my heart in this book. I flagged so many experts that it is hard to find a page without a note.

Sticky notes ready…

I have started a list of all the things I can start to do to make an impact. Simple things! I decided to start a bit small and go through the ‘inventory’ of toiletry items I stocked at a deep discount using coupons. I have found some scents that don’t work well for me, rather than using it anyway I can donate the unused items to a local shelter or pantry. I am looking at the lists of local facilities for what they are in need of and trying to find the surplus of it in my own house.

See simple!

Doing Good is truly Simple and Chris puts it on paper how easy it is to do good for others so simply. I really felt a connection to Chris and his view of how people, all people should act. Caring for others no matter who someone is or what they believe in. All people should make effort to care for others.
Chris so gracefully walks through how simple actions can make a great impact. I really hope Chris writes more. He is a true inspiration. I am so motivated to find ways to help in my community and a global effort. I truly believe working together small sacrifices can make a huge impact.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Zondervan Publishers.